SIM Card Deactivation: A Pilot Scheme for Widespread Citizen Suppression

Research by Filterwatch has uncovered details of a new, systematic and unlawful form of repression in Iran targeting journalists, civil activists, business owners, and various citizens as internet restrictions intensify.  This report analyzes the experimental implementation of the “SIM Card Deactivation” scheme, designed by security and judicial authorities to suppress civil society, journalists, students, andContinue reading “SIM Card Deactivation: A Pilot Scheme for Widespread Citizen Suppression”

Breaking Digital Barriers: How Iranians Stay Connected Amid Regional Tensions

An ISPA poll published last month showed that Islamic Republic internet filtering policies have failed. Despite official restrictions, platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube remain widely used among Iran’s college students. However, government decision-makers persist with these broad filtering measures, coupled with pricing policies that charge more than double for foreign internet traffic comparedContinue reading “Breaking Digital Barriers: How Iranians Stay Connected Amid Regional Tensions”

A Review of Digital Freedom Violations on the Second Anniversary of the Mahsa Amini Movement: Digital Iran Bound by Policy and Restrictions

Over the past two years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has employed digital, legal, and security tools to restrict cyberspace in an unprecedented manner. From widespread internet shutdowns and filtering of communication platforms to the arrest of digital rights activists, these measures reflect a comprehensive and systematic approach to controlling and suppressing digital freedoms. DataContinue reading “A Review of Digital Freedom Violations on the Second Anniversary of the Mahsa Amini Movement: Digital Iran Bound by Policy and Restrictions”

Government Tightens Control, Ignoring Experts’ Calls for Global Engagement and Open Internet

At a September 16 press conference, Masoud Pezeshkian spoke of his administration’s plan to reform the framework for filtering, a proposal he also raised at the Supreme Security Council. However, in practice, a different outcome has emerged.  Recent network developments have seen widespread outages due to the Infrastructure Communications Company’s monopoly on internet service provision.Continue reading “Government Tightens Control, Ignoring Experts’ Calls for Global Engagement and Open Internet”

Iranian Officials Tacitly Declare War on Circumvention Tools

In the past month, Iranian officials—from Majles representatives to cabinet ministers and members of the Supreme Cyberspace Council—have repeatedly pointed to circumvention tools as a major source of problems and insecurity in cyberspace. These developments suggest that Iranian officials see themselves as at war with these technologies and are planning accordingly.  Though such comments haveContinue reading “Iranian Officials Tacitly Declare War on Circumvention Tools”

The Elected President Emphasizes The Implementation Of The Seventh Development Plan; A Bleak Future For Digital Rights

The seventh development plan law is of utmost importance among all internet policies in Iran. Masoud Pezeshkian, the president-elect, has repeatedly emphasized his commitment to implementing this plan during presidential debates and in his announcements. Therefore, over the next four years, the situation of digital rights and the right to internet access can be examinedContinue reading “The Elected President Emphasizes The Implementation Of The Seventh Development Plan; A Bleak Future For Digital Rights”

Big Disruptions to Internet Protocol Version 6 Continue Policy of Unsafe Internet

In a move with little precedent, Iranian censorship authorities have seriously disrupted Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6), Filterwatch investigations show.  IPv6 is the newest version of internet protocol, or IP, which serves as the basis of internet communications. IPv6 is a more advanced version of the old IPv4, with an IP address capacity expanded fromContinue reading “Big Disruptions to Internet Protocol Version 6 Continue Policy of Unsafe Internet”

Subduing Internet Companies:  The Final Piece in the Surveillance State Puzzle

The past month saw the advance of a policy intended to secure government control over digital economy companies. By acquiring stocks and ownership rights in these companies, the government seeks greater ability to monitor and control with fewer obstacles from the private sector. With such tactics, the government now has a freer hand to accessContinue reading “Subduing Internet Companies:  The Final Piece in the Surveillance State Puzzle”

Next-Generation Filtering; Phishing with Governable Templates Analytical 

Filterwatch’s research indicates that the “next-generation proxy,” a topic of discussion among Iranian authorities, is a multifaceted initiative. It is not only a part of the Supreme Council of Cyberspace’s resolutions aimed at boosting domestic internet traffic and enhancing censorship measures but also builds upon a foundation laid by previous technical projects. This approach essentiallyContinue reading “Next-Generation Filtering; Phishing with Governable Templates Analytical “

DDoS Attacks During Nowruz Holidays

During the Nowruz holidays in Iran, which began on March 26, a DDoS cyberattack disrupted internet access, leading to widespread disturbances. Reports indicated short-term mobile internet outages, and these disruptions persisted even after the Nowruz holidays. According to Cloudflare data, the attack affected over 80% of Iran’s network, and per local network experts, network packetContinue reading “DDoS Attacks During Nowruz Holidays”